This cheesy ham and potato casserole is a warm and comforting dish. Layers of tender potatoes and savory ham are smothered in creamy cheese, making it super tasty!
Honestly, it’s perfect for using up leftover ham. Just mix, bake, and enjoy the cheesy goodness with friends or family. Who doesn’t love a one-dish meal like this? 🧀🥔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: For the best texture, use starchy potatoes like Russets. They become fluffy when baked. If you prefer waxy potatoes, like Yukon Golds, they hold their shape better but won’t be as creamy.
Ham: Cooked ham is essential here, but you can switch it for cooked chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian option, try using sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor, but feel free to mix in other cheeses such as Colby Jack or Pepper Jack for a little kick. For a lighter dish, opt for a reduced-fat cheese.
Milk: Whole milk makes the sauce rich, but you can use 2% or even non-dairy milk if you wish. Just be sure it’s unsweetened to maintain the savory taste.
How Do I Make a Smooth Cheese Sauce?
When making a cheese sauce, the roux is super important. This flour and butter mixture helps thicken the sauce. Follow these steps for success:
- Melt the butter on medium heat, then add flour, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This prevents any graininess.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Use a whisk rather than a spoon for a smoother sauce.
- Cook while stirring until it thickens—this takes about 5-7 minutes. Once thick, remove from heat and mix in your cheese until it’s all melted and creamy.
How to Make Cheesy Ham And Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 1 hour to cook. With a little patience while it bakes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which helps thicken your cheese sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep stirring for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat. Mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. This is your creamy cheese sauce!
3. Layer the Ingredients:
In your prepared casserole dish, start by arranging a third of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom. Next, sprinkle half of the diced ham and a few green onions over the potatoes, then pour a third of the cheese sauce on top. Repeat this layering process: another layer of potatoes, followed by ham, green onions, and cheese sauce.
4. Final Layers:
Finish off with a final layer of the remaining potatoes and pour the rest of the cheese sauce evenly over the top. Now, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese on top. This will help create a nice golden crust!
5. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when you pierce them with a fork.
6. Cool and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool slightly. Then, garnish with extra sliced green onions and fresh parsley if you like. Now, it’s time to serve your warm, cheesy ham and potato casserole!
Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess. Just ensure the cheese melts well for a smooth sauce.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the entire casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will start off cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions.
What Can I Use Instead of Ham?
If you’re looking for an alternative to ham, cooked chicken or turkey would work well. For a vegetarian version, consider using sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach that pair nicely with the cheese sauce.
